By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that 24 Filipinos who had been detained in Russia for nine months have been ordered released and are set to return home.
The development came after President Marcos Jr. raised the plight of the detained Filipinos, who were reportedly victims of illegal recruitment, during his recent bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, Russia.
In a Facebook post, Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to Putin for helping resolve the case.
“After nine months in detention, 24 Filipinos in Russia will finally be on their way home to be reunited with their families,” he said.
“I thank President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for their assistance and cooperation in bringing this matter to a positive resolution.”
The Filipinos were reportedly held in 2025 after falling victim to illegal recruitment schemes that facilitated their entry to Russia.
Speaking to reporters in Russia before returning to Manila, Marcos said he brought up the issue during his meeting with Putin, who was initially unaware of the situation but showed immediate concern and willingness to look into the matter.
He said Russian authorities subsequently identified the location of the detainees and understood the nature of their case.
“Sabi niya, ‘Nakita na namin ‘yung sitwasyon. We found out where the 24 Filipinos are. We found out what the problem is with their case, with their situation. And first of all, you said, they have not been charged with any wrongdoing? But they have still been kept in detention for nine months,’” Marcos Jr. said, citing Putin’s remarks.
Marcos recalled that during a dinner meeting following their talks, Putin assured him that Russia would address the issue.
He confirmed that the Filipinos are now scheduled for deportation and repatriation.
“I remember the last thing he said last night after we were talking about it. He said, ‘Don’t worry, we will find a way. We will find a way to fix this problem.’ And now, the 24 Filipinos will be released,” he said.
“They are ready for deportation tomorrow by 5:00 p.m. So, those 24 will be going home, back to the Philippines and back to their families,” Marcos Jr. said.
